Macomb College warns of threat

Students and staff at Macomb Community College Center Campus in Clinton Township on Wednesday will see extra police presence in response to an anonymous threat that was found in a men’s bathroom last week, college officials said.

The additional security measures come after a non-specific threat of violence was discovered written on the wall of a restroom in Building R, which houses health, science and technology programs at the campus on Garfield Road at Hall Road (M-59).

It referenced “4-24,” which officials say likely meant April 24. MCC will remain open for classes.

“We don’t have any indication the threat is credible, but in this day and age we are taking everything seriously,” said Cassandra Ulbrich, vice president for college advancement and community relations.

College officials said the case is still under investigation so they couldn’t release more information, such as who discovered the threat or its exact nature other than to say it apparently referenced a date.

MCC investigators consulted with various outside law enforcement agencies at the local, state and federal levels, according to MCC spokeswoman Jeanne Nicol.

MCC is informing the college community about the extra security through a news release to the media, along with social media including messages on Facebook and the college’s website.

Students and staff will see more police officers on the campus along with other various security measures the college will not disclose, Ulbrich said.

News of the heightened police presence received varying reaction from the student body on MCC’s Facebook page.

Some likened it to a high school prank while others wondered why classes were not being canceled if there was a known threat.

Matt Goetzinger on Facebook wrote “And regardless if they close it or not the threat is always there. Say they close, whomever wrote that would just wait. So don’t blame the college for not closing. You don’t have to show up if you really feel your life is in danger. They are just letting everyone know what is happening.”

MCC officials urged faculty, students and staff to be patient and report any unusual or suspicious activity to college police at 586-286-2123.